Essential oil provides lots of health benefits that’s why people like using it. Those who know the healing properties of essential oils not only use them for themselves but also for their kids. They want to take advantage of the health benefits that essential oils can give.
On a personal note, using aromatherapy on children is something I take seriously. Hence, the content of this post is from my observations and real insights. I even listed some of my thoughts before writing this post because I want to make sure that my notes here are carefully written so that they will be understood clearly. I hope that my honest thoughts will be accurately and appropriately expressed.
If you are an aromatherapist who is dealing with a child, it is important to be aware that children are playful. Sometimes, they play so recklessly that may result in unexpected ‘accidents’ or life-threatening problems. Hence, if I may request, I hope that aromatherapists will be careful so that side effects which can put the lives of children in danger will be avoided.
People should be more careful when using essential oils, especially for children. Different literature and case studies have reported the side effects of essential oils among children. Hence this post focuses on how aromatherapists can have a good relationship with kids.
1. Give clear and sincere instructions
Kids believe what you say to them, they follow what you tell them because they trust that adults and aromatherapists are mature enough. Kids think they mean what they say. As a conscientious aromatherapist, I think it is just fair that you have to be sincere with the details, responses, and instructions you are giving to children. Please make sure that the instructions and whatever you are telling them are accurate and true. Ensure that the instructions you are giving them are sincere and really for them. If you are being careless, you may give instructions that are for others. Kids also think, and they have their way of figuring out if they are being fooled even without telling them. Kids talk too, and they talk honestly. So as much as possible, please don’t give confusing instructions. Kids do have instincts and when a kid figured out that she is being fooled, it will be hard to make her obey you. Some kids are stubborn at times, but when they see you are worth trusting, they will keep on obeying you. So to make sure that kids will follow your instructions even if that means staying in a room so they can smell the aroma of essential oil, make sure that you are sincere and certain with what you are telling them and kindly don’t confuse them. Be conscientious.
2. Teach them the right way of inhaling the aroma
Practice what you preach. If you teach kids to focus on inhaling the aroma, make sure that you are also showing them that you are inhaling the aroma properly. Show that you are also focusing on inhaling the essential oil and not other stuff with a different scent. When kids see that you are playing with other things, kids would become curious too. As an aromatherapist, I think you don’t want kids to get distracted by other scents because you want them to focus on the essential oil you want them to keep on smelling. So make sure that you don’t give them any reason to be distracted. Kindly remember that kids look at you, and you are the one who’s giving them ideas on what to do.
3. Treat kids differently
Kids are different than older people. The way you treat adults is not the way you can treat kids. Although kids don’t know much, and they are not shrewd, sketchy, and mischievous as older adults, they know danger. Even though they are just kids with limited ability and knowledge, they have the instinct to protect themselves when they have a hunch that they are in danger. So when kids detect they are at risk, they may react differently too and may become stubborn because they are agitated.
Moreover, you can use different oils, even synthetic ones with adults. You can also play with different oils on them and their body will still allow it without reporting any complaints of the side effects even if you do it repeatedly. Since older people have gotten used to being exposed to different substances, some are already numb so it is okay for their bodies to just allow any oils to be used on them.
Furthermore, kids react differently. Kids remember the values and the right ways of doing things that were taught to them. So when kids see something strange, they think about what they know and remember the correct way of doing things that were taught to them, If the kid is a contemplative one, she may also ask the ‘why’ of things. Some kids would choose to follow what they know is right because what they know has been taught by the people they trust, their parents.
Another thing to consider when dealing with kids is that side effects may easily manifest in their bodies after being exposed to something. Their bodies cannot take toxic substances. Sometimes they get overwhelmed when they encounter toxic things, so make sure that you treat kids differently. As an aromatherapist, it’s important that as early as now, you are aware of the abovementioned factors. If you really want kids to be your client, then this is something that you have to understand and embrace.
Ergo, please don’t treat kids the way you would treat adults.
4. Choose to do the best practices
If you committed ‘mistakes’ in the ‘past’ please don’t repeat the same ‘mistakes’ when you will treat the kids. If you experienced or have seen any ‘side effects while using an oil, make sure that you will not repeat doing and using it with kids. As mentioned above, kids can’t take toxic things. I think that if ever you are doing some wrong practices whether you are fully aware or as a result of an honest ‘mistake’, may I humbly suggest that those things must be stopped when you start to treat kids. Also, please ensure that you will choose to be ‘clean’ when you will treat kids. Please make sure that you are willing to remove any dirt (if there is). This is not just for the kid that you will treat but also for your good health. I honestly think that kids want their aromatherapist to be ‘clean’. Kids will be happy if they see that their aromatherapist is healthy and clean.
I hope aromatherapists will choose to keep on improving their practice by doing what’s right. Kids will be happy when they see that their aromatherapist chooses the best practices. If I am a kid and I’ve seen that my aromatherapist is willing to correct his practices so he can treat me well, and for his welfare as well, I will be so proud of my aromatherapist. Because I can say that my aromatherapist has seen a lot, done a lot, and made some mistakes, but humble enough to admit that he still can improve to be a better aromatherapist and choose to do the best practices. A practice that is conscientious, clean, and good for the body and the soul.
Kids trust and obey, but kids, also fear when they’ve seen something that they think must be feared. Even if kids know a little, it is understandable that kids will be careful and think of things to protect themselves. I hope that aromatherapists will not give reasons for kids to fear them so kids will keep on obeying them when they give instructions and to keep them always believing in what they say.
Please be sincere, always 💋❤
Oil Therapy 